2024 is undoubtedly a year in which the fight for the policy direction of the Executive Branch of the United States is of paramount concern to voters across the nation. However, what oftentimes gets lost in the shuffle is the fight for the policy majority in our equally important State legislature.
Harrisburg has increasingly witnessed California-style policies creeping into our very commonwealth. Attacks on the energy sector that keep us economically viable, like the push to enter the Regional Greenhouse Gas Innovative, would devastate our commonwealth’s energy sector and cause the extinction of roughly 120,000 of our citizens’ jobs. We’ve also witnessed attempts to make all public projects more expensive by expanding prevailing wage and limiting individual contractors from getting bids, while helping their union counterparts. These are the types of policies that have reared their ugly heads over the last two years—and Pennsylvanians want change.
We need policy champions to do the work that is necessary to put Pennsylvania on the right track and far away from these California-style objective. Let’s dive into some of the folks who will be change-makers under the dome.
In the Pennsylvania Senate District 45 race in Allegheny County, business owner Jen Dintini has expressed the need to cut government red tape in permitting and is working to change the landscape so that Pennsylvanians have the freedom to pursue their American Dream. Her business background has influenced her strong positions as a champion in the regulatory reform space and if elected, she’ll promote policies that allow Harrisburg to practice better budgeting.
Over in parts of Cumberland and York counties, Dawn Keefer has a strong record on labor, regulations, and spending through her tenure as State Representative. Now looking towards the Senate, Keefer will continue to back regulatory reforms such as the REINS Act to help Pennsylvania-based businesses while supporting other pro-freedom policies such as caps on Harrisburg spending.
In arguably one of the most-watched races in Pennsylvania, Amy Bradley, President of the Cambria Regional Chamber, seeks the seat in the 72nd legislative district. She’s a change-maker that’s seeking to reform the region and encourage economic growth across the greater Johnstown area. With her background, she’ll promote better budgeting and get to work to promote a better business climate across all 67 of Pennsylvania’s counties.
In Northwest Allegheny County, incumbent Valerie Gaydos, Legislative District 44, has been a strong supporter of transformative policies such as the Personal Option in health care. Her work in expanding access to health care plans for small business owners and employees has been tireless, and she’s been an advocate for limiting the scope of Harrisburg’s influence on the everyday lives of Pennsylvanians.
There are a few new faces who have expressed their commitment to pro-Pennsylvania energy policies, parental control over a child’s education, budget restraints and improved health care options. AFP-PA has taken note of the following house candidates: McKayla Kathio in the 118th district in Pittston, Roman Kozak in the 14th district in Beaver Falls, and Jeremy Shaffer 28th district in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. Keep an eye out for these reformers!
As Election Day approaches, the fight for a policy majority in Harrisburg’s House and Senate grows closer and closer. The difference between rampant spending and fiscal conservatism lies with you, the hardworking taxpayer. Civic participation has never been more important. Learn more about how you can get involved in creating change before November’s election by heading to AmericansForProsperity.org!
This is Emily Greene, State Director with Americans for Prosperity-PA.